My personal reflections when trying to apply for my first UX role
I realised it’s been a whole year since I decided to transition from Marketing to UX and how grateful I am to be in my dream career. However, I have seen a few blog posts and videos recently based on how to land your dream role in UX, from “perfecting” your portfolio to networking thoroughly within your communities. This got me thinking in terms of my own experience in finding a UX role, the challenges faced and the steps I took to get there.
To be realistic, it wasn’t easy as it took me 9 months to find a suitable role after completing my Bootcamp, even within the global pandemic! For the first three months, I applied for around 50 jobs with either no news or rejection just through recruitment sites (such as Linked In and Totaljobs). It became quite soul-destroying and I questioned whether I’d actually end up in a UX based role. For this issue, I consulted my UX mentor for advice to improve the job search.
From our conversation, here are three suggestions she said that could improve my job search:
1.Define what you want from a job role on a day-to-day basis and translate this into your CV and portfolio. Prefer designing and building workflows? Then choose roles around UX/UI Design. Like innovation and research? Then focus on UX Researcher roles. The more specific you can be of what you can bring across and the type of role you are looking for, the more confident it comes across on your CV and portfolio to the roles you are looking to apply for.
2. Start building your network within UX, whether that’s through Meetups, UX based communities/ mentors or with Recruitment agencies. Don’t be afraid of putting your name out there and highlighting specifically what you are looking for in a role. It may be intimidating at first, but it will make you more memorable and seem more determined to find your dream role. Also, don’t be afraid to seek their advice for portfolio and CV advice in order to refine how you present yourself to future employers.
3. Look to seek other ways to gain more experience after UX courses. Whether that’s volunteering or doing design challenges, look for ways to bolster up your portfolio and skill set. Not only does this highlight to employers you’re willing to put in your free time to learn more about UX, but it might also lead to a full-time job with them.
As an additional side note when seeking a role, don’t be put off with comments such as “…seeking 3–4 years experience”, even for junior based roles! It’s designed to put off newcomers from applying either due to confidence or not looking to train them within the role.
From the reflections of my experiences and challenges of applying for my first UX role, hopefully, this blog post can help give you some guidance into applying for your first UX role.
